Blaming Obama for Islamic State’s Rise is Absurd
Republicans who accuse the president of pulling out of Iraq “prematurely” are not owning up to the facts.
Asia
Emirates Deepen Involvement in Yemen, Saudis Back Islamists
The Emirates step up efforts to push back the Houthis while Saudi Arabia relies on local proxies.
Kurdish, Far-Leftist Militants Step Up Violence in Turkey
Kurdish and far-leftist groups carry out a wave of attacks in the wake of a Turkish security crackdown.
Iran May Not Be the Middle East’s Hegemon — Yet
Sanctions and isolation have weakened Iran, but it is still in a strong position to expand its influence in the Middle East.
Turkey’s Commitment to Defeating Islamists in Doubt
It’s hard to say if Turkey supported the self-declared Islamic State, but it isn’t doing much to stop it.
Has the West Abandoned the Kurds? It’s Complicated
There are more than two sides to the conflict.
Turkey Seeks to Block Allies from Supporting Kurds
Despite joining the war against the Islamic State, Turkey doesn’t want its allies aiding the group’s Kurdish rivals.
Turkey Targets Islamic State, Keeps Eye on Kurds
Turkey carries out its first strikes against the Islamic State in Syria and goes after Kurdish militants at the same time.
Hadi Irrelevant as Saudis Bogged Down in Yemen
Saudi Arabia’s support for Sunni Islamists belies its nominal goal of restoring Yemen’s president.
Despite Announced Truce, Fighting in Yemen Continues
A negotiated pause in fighting is respected by neither side as the war continues with no end in sight.
Turkey Denies Planning Syria Incursion to Block Kurds
Turkey denies plans to send troops into northern Syria but does beef up its military presence on the border.
Jordan Seeks Buffer Zone to Keep Syrian Islamists at Bay
Jordan would be prepared to send troops into Syria to prevent radical Islamists from menacing its border.
Turkey Planning Invasion to Stave Off Kurdish State
Turkey plans to send troops thirty kilometers deep into Syria to stop Kurds from forming their own state there.
Why the West Shies Away from Fighting Islamic State
The Islamists do not pose much of a threat to the West and should be defeated by other Muslims.
War Tests Syrian Druze’s Loyalties and Israel’s Neutrality
Syria’s Druze are torn between supporting Bashar Assad and seeking help from neighboring Israel.